Likud Primaries, Rabbi Kook Memorial, Trump-Iran Tensions, New Looney Tunes Film, and Sports Season Kickoff Highlight Upcoming Week
The upcoming week in Israel features a mix of political, cultural, and sports events. On Monday, August 17, the Likud party will hold its primary elections to determine its Knesset list, a process expected to be dramatic due to a recent district court ruling barring incumbent Knesset members from running in district slots. This ruling disrupts Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans to shape the list according to his preferences. Additionally, concerns persist about rebellious Likud MKs Nir Barkat and Tali Gottlieb, amid uncertainty over the party's standing in polls and the potential exclusion of many primary candidates from the next Knesset.
On Sunday, August 16, the Jewish community will mark the 91st yahrzeit of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, with many visiting his grave and large commemorative events planned at the Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem over the following two days.
Internationally, tensions with Iran remain high as the Trump administration threatens to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory following recent Iranian attacks on UAE oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. This move aims to intensify the maritime blockade against Iran.
In culture, the long-awaited film "Looney Tunes: Coyote vs. Acme" will premiere on Thursday, August 20. The hybrid live-action and animation movie revives the classic cartoon character, the coyote, in his endless chase after the fast bird, promising a nostalgic yet fresh cinematic experience.
Sports fans can look forward to the resumption of the Israeli Premier League soccer matches this weekend, bringing fans back to stadiums. Basketball enthusiasts will wait until mid-September for the local EuroLeague Super Cup games featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Toto Cup semifinal matches are scheduled for Sunday evening, with Maccabi Tel Aviv facing Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Tel Aviv playing Ironi Kiryat Shmona. The Toto Cup finals are set for December 2026.
This diverse lineup reflects the vibrant political, religious, cultural, and sports life in Israel as the month of Elul begins, a period traditionally associated with reflection and renewal.
